Air Pakk inflatable backpack promises comfort on demand

We first caught wind of Ryan Frayne and his rapid self-inflation technology on the back of his Air Pad mattress last year. Incorporating an innovative air flow technique, the air bed could be ready for use in a matter of seconds. Now Frayne has adapted this functionality to a multipurpose backpack with a view to bringing on-demand comfort to a variety of situations.

The Windcatcher Air Pakk features self-inflating padding on the front and back and when unzipped, transforms into a travel pillow, sleeping mat or simply something to slip under your backside if you're looking to take a break on rough terrain. These pads each grow from 0.25 to 2 inches (0.64 to 5.1 cm) in thickness and can be left inflated with the backpack closed, creating a protective air cushion around your valuables inside.

With the Air Pakk a subject of a Kickstarter campaign, Frayne is yet to determine its final dimensions, though says it will be large enough to hold a 15-inch laptop. A detachable cover can also be unzipped, providing a surface to set out the items inside and will be available in different styles.

Frayne's crowdfunding campaign appears to be moving fast, with the Air Pakk already attracting over US$14,000 in pledges at the time of writing. A $90 pledge will have one of the inflatable backpacks sent your way if the $30,000 goal is reached and all else goes to plan. Shipping is slated for April 2015.

Nick was born outside of Melbourne, Australia, with a general curiosity that has drawn him to some distant (and very cold) places. Somewhere between enduring a winter in the Canadian Rockies and trekking through Chilean Patagonia, he graduated from university and pursued a career in journalism. He now writes for Gizmag, excited by tech and all forms of innovation, Melbourne's bizarre weather and curried egg sandwiches. All articles by Nick LavarsFollow @NickLavars